KEEPING THE RUN ALIVE PARISH SETS SIGHTS ON SEVENTH TITLE IN EIGHT YEARS, B2
Logan Lucero CHRIS MCGATHEY
Also inside: St. Mark’s hopes to convert experience to plays on the field, B4 Jesuit takes on powerhouses Allen and Prosper in 6-6A, B6 Can the Longhorns rebound after falling short in the 2025 season? B9 September 2026 @phollowpeople |
@peoplenewspapers| peoplenewspapers.com
PrestonHollowPeople 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
B2 | September 2026
prestonhollowpeople.com
NEXT IN LINE: LUCERO LATEST IN STORIED PARISH QB LINEAGE
By Justin Thomas
QUICK FACT S
People Newspapers
2024 RECORD: 12-1 (6-0 in district) NOTABLE: Parish has had only three starting quarterbacks in the 10 years Daniel Novakov has been head coach (including 2026).
D
uring the tenure of head coach Daniel Novakov, Parish Episcopal has established itself as one of the area’s preeminent producers of quarterbacks. From 2017-2020, Preston Stone rewrote record books, throwing for a DFW record 13,207 yards while leading the Panthers to a pair of state championships before departing to play collegiately at SMU and later transferring to Northwestern. Stone’s passing mark stood for all of four seasons, when it was surpassed by Parish’s Sawyer Anderson. From 2021-2024, Anderson — who is currently playing collegiately at Arizona — eclipsed Stone’s career mark by more than 1,000 yards, finishing with 14,674 yards while leading Parish to three consecutive state titles in his four years. The tradition continued a year ago, when Novakov instituted a two-quarterback system and Parish rode the arms (and legs) of then junior Johnathon Phillips and then freshman Logan Lucero to the program’s sixth championship in the past seven years. With Army commit Phillips back for his senior season, and Lucero returning more seasoned entering his sophomore campaign, Parish has its sights set on what could be a staggering seventh championship in eight years. “You always hear people say that if you have two quarterbacks, you have none,” Novakov said. “So, I’ve kind of shied away from that in the past. But when I did it last year, I thought if I could do this for the rest of my career, I will.” Parish’s two-quarterback system is even more dynamic given the versatility of Phillips. When not under center, Phillips will be a key component of Parish’s receiving corps. Lucero, meanwhile, has grabbed the attention of scouts throughout the country and already received numerous Division I offers. The career marks of Stone and Anderson could also be in range for Lucero after throwing for 2,478 yards and 27 touchdowns against just three interceptions in his debut season. Individual records, however, aren’t on the mind of Lucero. “My favorite record is our team’s record and to be state champions,” he said. “Team goals are my individual goals and achieving them is my personal success.” Lucero doesn’t have any qualms with sharing quarterback duties, either.
SCHEDULE August 21 at All Saints 28 at Kinkaid School September 4 Bellaire Episcopal 10 Cornerstone Christian 18 John Paul II 25 at Bishop Lynch October 2 Legacy Christian 9 at Liberty Christian 16 Trinity Christian 23 at Prestonwood Christian
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
* — TAPPS district game
Logan Lucero is back at quarterback for Parish Episcopal after helping lead the Panthers to a state title last season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
“Me and Johnathon are like brothers,” he said. “In our eyes, we’re not competing for a spot, we are the spot. We are 1A and 1B and we work with each other.” On the field, the pair have picked up where they left off a year ago, and in particular Lucero with now a year of varsity competition under his belt. “I think last year, I was kind of treading water,” he said. “I was trying to wrap my head around the playbook and trying to earn the guy’s trust. This year, I’m a lot more calm and I know my job and my goals and what I have to do.” Less thinking and more reacting will be an additional benefit to Lucero in 2026 as the Panthers have graduated much of their receiving production from a year ago. But the sophomore, as well as Phillips, have already begun developing a strong rapport with the new Panther receivers. “We got the new guys in this summer and now we’re familiar with the playbook and we’re ready to fire on all cylinders,” Lucero said. “My job, my goal, is to get the ball to the play-makers and let them go to work because we have a lot of great athletes on this team. I’m
super excited for what’s in store for them.” Lucero praised the play of Charlie Petet this offseason following a season in which he had six receptions for 49 yards. He noted the capabilities he’s seen from Myles McClain and Greyson Bowers during the offseason, while Parish will also be adding a key transfer at receiver in Linkoln McKamie. Parish’s potential ground game isn’t lost on Lucero, either. In fact, he believes the duo of Jaxon McKinney and Dorian Vaughn is what makes Parish potentially even more dynamic offensively. “We have a couple of beasts back there in Jaxon and Dorian,” Lucero said. “You watch them run and it’s like geez. And they’re not weak, either. I’ve seen them squat. They’re strong dudes and they’re going to be tough to bring down … teams are going to have to pick their poison against us.” And then there’s Phillips, who in addition to his passing ability rushed 761 yards (7.11 per carry) with 23 touchdowns while also hauling in 15 catches for 282 yards and an additional two scores. “He’s our best football player,” Novakov said. “He gives you so many things. Not to
take anything away from Logan, but if I’m playing General Manager and I have to pick one player to build a team around, I’m picking Jonathon because he gives you so many options with his versatile and dynamic skill set.” Perhaps the lone question mark offensively for the Panthers is how they replace the loss of four starters on the line, but Novakov believes a contingent featuring Aidan Lockey and Vince Gooch have the talent and work ethic to do so. Defensively, Parish returns four starters, including defensive back Kingston Thornton and linebacker Rocco Bigham. Other key contributors to the Parish defense are expected to be defensive linemen Luke Robbins, Giles Perry, and Steel Roy, linebacker Nile Cail, and defensive backs Hilliard Terry and Luke Johnson. With the roster coming together, Parish is set to begin its march to state. And the Panthers should be plenty battle-tested when the playoffs roll around. “As good as Parish has been, we’ve never had an undefeated season, so that would be amazing,” Lucero said. “For us, that starts right away in those non-district games. Playing a state champion like Kinkaid, and Cornerstone (Christian Academy) and another state champion in All Saints is going to be tough. All Saints beat us last year, too, and knocked us off that undefeated path and it left a bitter taste in our mouth. So, we really want to beat that team.”
September 2026 | B3
prestonhollowpeople.com
VICTORY STARTS HERE Dr. Lauren Battley
Dr. Sarah Brewer
Dr. John Bertrand
Dr. Jane Nokleberg
Dr. Abaigeal Thompson
Dr. Jeffrey Thurston
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
Dr. Sooyeon Choi
Dr. Julie Hagood
Anne Fuller
Rebecca Hardesty
OBGYN Physician
OBGYN Physician
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Dr. Lauren Murray OBGYN Physician
Ashley Hancock
Family Nurse Practitioner
STRIVE FOR GREATNESS
8305 WALNUT HILL LANE, SUITE 100, DALLAS
•
214.363.7801
•
WWW.WALNUTHILLOBGYN.COM
B4 | September 2026
prestonhollowpeople.com
New Faces in Backfield for St. Mark’s By Justin Thomas
QUICK FACT S
People Newspapers
2025 RECORD: 5-5 (1-4 in district) NOTABLE: St. Mark’s is seeking a season-high seven wins in head coach Harry Flaherty’s sixth season leading the Lions.
SCHEDULE August 28 Fort Worth Country Day September
7 p.m.
4 at Cistercian 11 Episcopal School of Dallas 18 at Covenant Christian 25 Grapevine Faith Christian October
7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
2 at John Cooper* 9 Kinkaid School* 16 Bellaire Episcopal* 23 St. John’s*
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. * — SPC Class 4A game
While St. Mark’s posted an overall .500 record a year ago, the Lions struggled through district competition, posting just a 1-4 mark. Head coach Harry Flaherty is hopeful an experienced squad on both sides of the ball will lead to more victories in 2026 after fading down the stretch. Leading the charge is do-itall running back David Dickson, who gained more than 7 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns rushing while also chipping in nearly 10 yards per catch and an additional three scores. Experience returns at quarterback, as well, where Blaize Schumacher is back following a campaign in which he completed 57% of his attempts for 1,282 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At receiver, Archer Wilburn has shown big-play ability (14 yards per catch) and is expected to take over as St. Mark’s leading receiver. St. Mark’s biggest question offensively comes in the trenches, though Brooks Main does return and is coming off a strong junior season. Six starters return defensively for the Lions with experience prevalent in the secondary headlined by safety Mac Saye and cornerbacks Ford Robinson and Jax Blalock. Braden Smith also figures to be a two-way player, while Tobias Pulido returns at linebacker, as does Omar Jenkins on the defensive line. St. Mark’s will also have one fewer district game, as Episcopal School of Dallas has transitioned to SPC 3A, though the rival Eagles and Lions will still square off in a non-district contest.
David Dickson is back for the St. Mark’s football team after tallying more than 1,000 rushing and receiving yards last season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
READY to tackle your real estate goals? I’d love to be your MVP. Reach out today!
LACY SCHULTZ 214.455.0476 lacyschultz@dpmre.com lacyschultz.com My history and market knowledge produce successful home transactions every time!
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate
Football-Preview_PeopleNews_Sep2026.pdf 1 8/5/2026 7:59:09 AM
prestonhollowpeople.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
September 2026 | B5
B6 | September 2026
prestonhollowpeople.com
Rangers Ready for Grueling District By Justin Thomas
QUICK FACT S
People Newspapers
2025 RECORD: 6-5 (5-2 in district) NOTABLE: With just four home games, the Rangers will have six road trips, but none are longer than 13 miles. They will play three times at Ellis Stadium in Irving.
SCHEDULE August 28 at Sachse September 4 Rockwall 11 Forney 18 at Princeton* 25 McKinney Boyd* October 8 at Walnut Grove* 16 Prosper* 23 at Allen* 30 McKinney* November 5 at Rock Hill*
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. * — District 6-6A game
With 13 returning starters, Jesuit is hopeful that it will compete in the postseason for an eighth consecutive year in 2026. Jesuit does have a few key holes to fill, however, in particular at the skill positions offensively. Fortunately, while junior J.P. Livingston will be making his debut starts at quarterback, he did receive playing experience down the stretch last season, finishing 27-of-49 for 366 yards and four touchdowns. Livingston will be distributing the ball to a new-look group of pass-catchers as Jesuit lost its top six receiving leaders from a year ago. Senior Max Smith is back after hauling in 13 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns, while Joseph Konings had six receptions for 104 yards. “(Livingston) playing late last year will be a big benefit,” said Brandon Hickman, Jesuit head coach. “He’s
6-foot-4, so he has some good size, and we’re pretty confident that he’ll be ready for the challenge in the fall. “At receiver, we lost a lot, but we’ve seen a few guys really starting to emerge.” What Jesuit lacks in experience in the passing game, it makes up for in the ground attack. Ty Daboub is primed for a breakout season, according to Hickman, after gaining more than 5.5 yards per carry with a team-high six rushing touchdowns last season. Dabout will have the benefit of running behind a seasoned offensive line headlined by returning first-team all-district performer Ben Bumgardner. Defensively, secondary member Ben Phillips, linebacker Jackson Gair and lineman Cole Johnson give the Rangers a key returner at each positional group. With so much talent back, the biggest challenge for Jesuit may well be a move to a District 6-6A that features perennial powers Allen and Prosper.
Running back Ty Daboub returns for Jesuit after scoring a team-high six rushing touchdowns last season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
September 2026 | B7
prestonhollowpeople.com
Knights Tough in the Trenches
Caden Kobza scored three defensive touchdowns for the Knights last season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
By Justin Thomas People Newspapers
Expectations are high for Dallas Covenant in 2026. The Knights have graduated just seven seniors from the squad that advanced to the state semifinals a year ago. “We have a ton of experience back and will be a senior-led team,” said Jacob Zinn, Covenant head coach. “And a lot of our key players are back at important positions. That’s going to be huge for us.” One of Covenant’s non-senior returnees is dual-threat quarterback Ryan Hillner, who battled injuries early in 2025 before settling in down the stretch. “He was unbelievable for us late in the season,” Zinn said. “He made some big leaps running our offense and he’s had a great offseason for us.” Covenant is also experienced at running back. Clive Roland returns and impressed Zinn a year ago as he rose from seventh on the depth chart to a role as a consistent contributor. Two-way player Caden Kobza also remains on the squad. In addition to duties at running back, Kobza is an impact defender and a Division I recruit as a long-snapper. At receiver, Covenant will look to the likes of Witman Randle and Sam Fray. Zinn believes the strength of Covenant will be in the trenches both on offense and defense.
QUICK FACT S 2025 RECORD: 8-4 (4-1 in district) NOTABLE: The Knights are coming off a 2025 campaign in which they reached the TAPPS Division III state semifinals for the first time in program history.
SCHEDULE August 21 at Coram Deo 28 St. Michael’s September 4 at Colleyville Covenant 11 at Fort Baptist 18 St. Mark’s October 2 at Shelton* 9 at Pantego Christian* 16 Prince of Peace* 23 El Paso Cathedral 30 Dallas Christian*
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
* — TAPPS district game
Connor Evans will start on the offensive line and is a Division I recruit on the defensive line described by Zinn as a game-wrecker. Kobza had three interceptions returned for touchdowns a year ago and was Covenant’s second-leading tackler with more than 100, while Randle and Fray will be fixtures in the secondary in addition to their roles at receiver.
B8 | September 2026
Continuity Key for Greenhill in 2026 By Justin Thomas
QUICK FACT S
People Newspapers
2025 RECORD: 1-9 (1-5 in district) NOTABLE: Greenhill’s defense will look to bounce back in 2026 after surrendering more than 40 points on seven occasions last season.
SCHEDULE August 28 at John Paul II
7 p.m.
September 4 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal 10 at Casady School 18 Atlas Homeschool 25 at Covenant Christian`
7 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
October 2 Brook Hill 9 Dallas HSSA 16 at Dallas Christian 23 at Hillsboro 30 Brazos Christian
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. * — SPC Class 3A game
After posting a 5-5 record in 2024 and coming within one win of a berth in the state championship game, Greenhill took a step back in 2025, struggling to a 1-9 record. But fourth-year head coach KJ Williams is hopeful the culture established over his first three years, along with new-found continuity, will pay dividends for a youthful Hornets squad in 2026. Greenhill’s youth movement, which saw 12 freshmen play significant minutes a year ago, begins under center where Wesley Black will take the reins. Williams described the 6-foot-3, 210-pound sophomore signal-caller as a field general whose leadership qualities have impressed despite his status as an underclassman. Black will have the benefit of throwing to a potentially dynamic
receiving corps headlined by Yale commit Trey Davis. Last year, Davis was named Receiver of the Year for private schools following a season in which he hauled in 72 receptions for 1,131 yards and 11 touchdowns. CJ Glenn and Zazheus Kroney will carry the load in the backfield behind an offensive line that features returners Lucas Castillo (all-SPC last season) and Alex Meyer. Defensively, Prince Jones will play a safety-linebacker hybrid role, while safety Landon Shine is coming off a season of four interceptions. “Defense is where I think we will be our strongest,” Williams said. “We have our entire defensive line back, and we have some big-time players at linebacker and in the secondary.” Other impact defenders are expected to be Meyer, Jones, Castillo, Nirvan Bhattacharya, and Blake Barnes.
prestonhollowpeople.com
Trey Davis is back at receiver for Greenhill in 2026 after being named Private School Receiver of the Year last season. CHRIS MCGATHEY
prestonhollowpeople.com
Longhorns Equipped for Life Without Ebeke QUICK FACT S 2025 RECORD: 5-5 (4-4 in district) NOTABLE: The Longhorns are seeking a seventh consecutive season with at least five victories in 2026.
SCHEDULE August 28 at Hillcrest September 4 Garland 11 at The Colony 17 North Mesquite* 25 at Tyler* October 9 Mesquite* 15 at West Mesquite* 23 Bryan Adams* 29 Sunset* August 5 at Crandall*
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
* — District 7-5A, Division I game
By Justin Thomas People Newspapers
The Longhorns saw a four-year playoff streak come to a halt in 2025 in their first season under head coach Bryson Lewis. But with 15 returning starters, Lewis and W.T. White are hopeful for a rebound in 2026 in what should be a competitive District 7-5A featuring West Mesquite and Crandall. One area of concern comes in the backfield where the Longhorns need to replace their leading passer and runner from a year ago; no small feat given that Ben Ebeke rushed for 1,528 yards and had 19 total touchdowns. Sophomore Demarius Jackson Jr. is equipped to fill some of the void and already has multiple Division I offers, while Jaymari Bridges brings physicality to the position and Kameron Terrell is a “home run hitter” according to Lewis. Versatility athlete Jayden Street will be the primary starting quarterback,
but could also see time at slot receiver. White also boasts experienced standouts at receiver in first-team performer Lovell Neal (38 catches, 681 yards, seven touchdowns) and two-way player Zamarion Dunn (18 catches, 230 yards, two touchdowns). Tackle Mehki Lamb was also a first-team all-district performer last season as a junior, while other key cogs in the line are expected to be Isaac Flores, Santigo Olvera, Alan Mata and Stephen Tripp. Lamb will be an anchor for White’s defense and will be joined up front by standout Kesean Price and Andy Lopez. Linebackers include Harrison Funez and Ali Mungia, while the secondary will feature Dunn, Prosper Moore, Zy’cherian Eagle and Jayden Sheppard. Last year’s 7-6A Punter MVP Diego Dominguez is also returning for the Longhorns and will play on both sides of the ball.
September 2026 | B9
Wide receiver Lovell Neal was named first-team all-district for W.T. White last season. ROB GRAHAM
Standing (L-R): Austin Adams, Lloyd Klink, Marta Rincon Sanchez, Chris Kehlenbeck, Ale Kennedy, Todd Cornelius, Austin Lewis, Warrie Birdwell, Charlie Bogan, Sonia Gomez, Riley Bank, Bill Ajello, Laura Sullilvan, Anthony Epperson, Justin Jennings, Harrison Long, Rob Adams Sitting (L-R): Audrey DeLeon, Susan Ascoy, Nancy Villa, Cade Pettijohn, Ary Rambally
C MMUNITY PRIDE. TEAM VALUES. Whether you’re running a business or a hectic household, you have a clear vision. We help connect you to your dreams,
with a gameplan based on smart financial solutions and the same responsive service we’ve provided for more than 100 years.
MEMBER FDIC
Origin.bank
B10 | September 2026
prestonhollowpeople.com
Eagles Primed to Bounce Back Under Benson QUICK FACT S 2025 RECORD: 3-6 (0-5 in district) NOTABLE: Robert Benson takes over as ESD head coach replacing Richard Williams, who had coached the squad from 20132025.
SCHEDULE August 28 Trinity Christian 7 p.m. September 4 Legacy Christian 7 p.m. 11 at St. Mark’s 7 p.m. 18 Trinity Valley* 7 p.m. 25 San Antonio TMI Episcopal* 7 p.m. October 2 at Cistercian* 7 p.m. 8 St. Andrew’s* 7 p.m. 16 at Oakridge 7 p.m. 23 Country Day* 7 p.m. 30 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal 7 p.m. * — SPC Class 3A game
By Justin Thomas People Newspapers
Episcopal School of Dallas struggled with inexperience in 2025, resulting in an 0-5 record in SPC 4A competition. That won’t be an issue for firstyear head coach Robert Benson and the Eagles in 2026, however, as the squad brings back a whopping 20 starters, including all 11 on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Miles Link threw for 941 yards and six touchdowns against just two interceptions last season, while receiver Curtis Mathes had more than 900 yards and nine receiving scores en route to All-SPC honors. John Edge Sowa also contributed over 300 yards receiving a year ago, while Wayte McKnight and Charlie Swann provided even more firepower outside. In the trenches, brothers Samuel
and Peter Olson anchor an offensive line that figures to be a strength. The same can be said for ESD’s defensive front, which also features the Olson brothers. Linebacker Nico Marquez is one of the top returning tackles for the Eagles, while Mathes, Sowa, McKnight, Swann, and Asher Cooke will also be two-way players. In addition to having a new head coach in Benson, the Eagles will also be competing in a new district (SPC 3A) which doesn’t figure to have the same strength as SPC 4A. ESD fans have likely been rejoicing over the new alignment, as the Eagles will now face just one district foe that doesn’t reside in the Dallas area (San Antonio TMI) as opposed to four opponents from the Houston area in previous years.
Wide receiver and defensive back Curtis Mathes is back for ESD after earning All-SPC honors in 2025. ROB GRAHAM
Friday night lights bring families together. But when life takes an unexpected turn, we’re here to help protect what matters most.
Divorce • Child Custody • Collaborative Divorce • Adoption • Marital Agreements
214.939.3000| CALABRESEBUDNER.COM 5944 LUTHER LANE, SUITE 875 DALLAS, TX 75225
prestonhollowpeople.com
Panthers Eye First Postseason Win in 20 Years QUICK FACT S 2025 RECORD: 6-5 (5-2 in district) NOTABLE: The Panthers have qualified for the postseason in each of their first two seasons under head coach Adrian Madise.
SCHEDULE August 28 W.T. White September
7:30 p.m.
4 at Frisco Central 10 Samuell* 18 at South Oak Cliff* October
7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
2 Woodrow Wilson* 8 at Molina* 16 Seagoville* 23 at Mesquite Poteet* 30 Adamson* November
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
5
7:30 p.m.
at Thomas Jefferson*
* — District 5-5A, Division II game
By Justin Thomas People Newspapers
Hillcrest’s football team qualified for the postseason in its first two seasons under head coach Adrian Madise. With 13 starters returning and even more continuity, the Panthers are hopeful for not only a third consecutive playoff berth, but their first postseason victory since 2006. Offensively, Hillcrest will feature a first-year starting quarterback following the graduation of William Randall, but whoever lines up under center will have the benefit of a talented and experienced group of backs and pass-catchers. Dash Davis, who posted 180 receiving yards last season, has impressed during spring camp and the offseason, though Madise noted a few other potential options have emerged and will see repetitions during camp. Davis and company will have the benefit of versatile running back Jayden
Harris, who saw limited action a year ago but is primed for a breakout in 2026 according to Madise. Receivers set for big roles in the upcoming season are Khari Bass and Stetson Evans. Hillcrest’s strength offensively comes up front where much of last year’s line remains intact. The same can be said on the defensive side of the ball. Zion King and Luis Montoya give Hillcrest one of the best defensive linemen tandems in the district, while Khalil Bass and Eli Ramirez are promising linebackers. In the secondary, William Tryon and Zion Stevens-Braziel return after starting a year ago. Hillcrest should also be plenty battle-tested should it qualify for the postseason by virtue of competing in a district with reigning state champ South Oak Cliff alongside perennial playoff qualifier Mesquite Poteet.
September 2026 | B11
Jayden Harris is expected to be a key cog for Hillcrest’s football team in 2026.CHRIS MCGATHEY
B12 | September 2026
prestonhollowpeople.com